Hon. Anthony C. Epstein (Ret.) served for over 16 years as an associate judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, following 25 years in private practice handling complex, high-stakes matters. His extensive experience as both a judge and litigator equips him to serve as an arbitrator, mediator, case evaluator and special master/court appointed neutral. In all forms of dispute resolution, he is committed to impartiality, fairness and efficiency.

When recommending him for a second term, the D.C. Commission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure described Judge Epstein as “exceptionally deserving” of reappointment, citing his “exemplary judicial service” and his reputation for “sound legal judgment,” “extraordinary work ethic” and “integrity and sense of decency.” The Commission viewed Judge Epstein as “a model for other judges.”

During his tenure, Judge Epstein presided over thousands of cases and conducted several hundred jury and bench trials, including complex commercial disputes involving employment, construction and real estate. He served in the civil, family and criminal divisions, held leadership roles—including presiding judge of the Civil Division during the pandemic—and sat by designation on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Known for proactive case management, he resolved countless discovery disputes consistent with the principle of proportionality. He consistently maintained a current docket and issued clear, timely decisions. A quick study, Judge Epstein promptly identifies and focuses on the key issues. He is open-minded and even-tempered, direct and transparent. 

Judge Epstein has successfully conducted dozens of mediations, using a strategic approach. An attentive listener, creative problem-solver and tenacious closer, he tailors his methods to each case’s unique dynamics. He fosters rapport with parties and counsel, helping them set realistic expectations and focus on practical outcomes.

Representative Matters

• Business Commercial
• Presided over a wide range of cases involving sales of goods and services
• Presided over cases involving breakups of closely held businesses and law firms
• Presided over cases involving condominium and homeowners associations
• Resolved cases involving the enforceability and scope of arbitration agreements
• Presided over jury and bench trials involving residential and commercial landlord-tenant matters
• Presided over bench trials of dispute between landlord and tenant concerning building improvements and repairs
• Represented major telecommunications company for 25 years involving antitrust, consumer protection, FCC matters and commercial disputes
• Construction
• Presided over bench trial involving construction of hotel
• Presided over jury trial involving construction of night club
• Presided over jury and bench trials involving residential construction projects
• Employment Law
• As a judge, handled a broad range of cases involving discrimination, wrongful termination and nonpayment of wages, resolving many through mediations and motions
• Presided over trials involving race, age and sex discrimination and whistleblower claims by government employees
• Successfully mediated dispute between an associate general counsel and a publicly traded company
• Family Law
• As a judge, resolved, through trials and motions, scores of disputes involving child custody’s
• Presided over multiple trials involving equitable distribution of property
• As a judge, developed approach for resolution of child support disputes between high-income parents
• As a judge, developed court handbook for domestic relations cases
• Consultant to forthcoming American Law Institute Restatement of the Law, Children and the Law
• Personal Injury
• Successfully mediated dozens of personal injury cases
• Presided over multiple automobile accident trials including drivers, passengers and pedestrians
• Professional Malpractice
• Presided over multiple medical malpractice trials ranging from hip replacements to infant death
• Presided over multiple cases involving legal malpractice

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

Memberships and Affiliations

• D.C. Courts Committees
• Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, 2010–2024
• Superior Court Committees
• Court Rules Committee, 2013–2024
• Jury Instruction Committee, 2009–2019
• Judicial Education Committee, 2010–2018
• D.C. Access to Justice Commission, 2021–2024
• Chair, D.C. Court of Appeals’ Committee on Unauthorized Practice of Law, 1998–2008
• D.C. Bar Committees
• Rules of Professional Conduct Review Committee, 2000–2008
• Multijurisdictional Practice Committee, D.C. Bar, 2005–2007
• Steering Committee, Courts, Lawyers and Administration of Justice Section, 1994–1998
• Court Rules Committee, 1990–1994
• Member, American Law Institute, 2012–2025

Background and Education

• Superior Court of the District of Columbia
  • Associate Judge, 2008–2025
  • Presiding Judge, Civil Division, 2021–2022
  • Deputy Presiding Judge, Civil Division, 2010–2020
  • Senior Judge, 2025
• Steptoe & Johnson LLP: Partner, 1999–2008
• Jenner & Block LLP: Partner, 1985–1999; Associate, 1983–1984
• Leva, Hawes, Symington, Martin & Oppenheimer: Associate, 1981–1983
• United States Department of Justice, 1978–1981
  • Trial Attorney, Antitrust Division, 1978–1979
  • Special Assistant to the Deputy Attorney General, 1979–1981
  • Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia, 1981
• Law Clerk to U.S. District Judge Charles B. Renfrew, 1977–1978
• J.D., Yale Law School, 1977
• B.A., Yale College, 1974